Window construction

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a window construction having a sash pivotal about a central vertical axis which facilitates reversal of the sash for cleaning the window from within the building. Means for sealing the sash within the window frame is provided by an independent, open compression frame which inwardly pivots from one side of the window frame. The compression frame includes a continuous resilient sealing gasket which upon closure tightly engages edges of the sash and window frame around their periphery, forming a positive weathertight compression seal. For pivoting the sash, the compression frame is unlocked and swung into the interior of the building, whereupon the sash may be unlocked and freely rotated about its vertical axis.

[ Apr. 22, 1975 United States Patent 1 Brown et al.

Prinmr E.\'aminerKenneth Downey Ridge Rd Bowling Green OhiO Attorney,Agent, or Fzrm-Owen & Owen 43402; Michael C. Rizza, 2863 I WINDOWCONSTRUCTION [76] Inventors: I-Ioward R. Brown, 15315 Sand [57] ABSTRACTThis invention relates to a window construction having a sash pivotalabout a central vertical axis which facilitates reversal of the sash forcleaning the window from Encina Camino, Walnut Creek. Calif.

[22] Filed: Oct. 11. I973 [21] Appl. No.: 405,415 within the building.Means for sealing the sash within the window vframe is provided by anindependent. open compression frame which inwardly pivots from one sideof the window frame. The compression frame includes a continuousresilient sealing gasket which upon closure tightly engages edges of thesash and window frame around their periphery. forming a posi- [56]References cued tive weathertight compression seal. For pivoting theUNITED STATES PATENTS sash, the compression frame is unlocked and swung2,716,447 8/!955 Adams et 49/67 X into the interior of the building,whereupon the sash 2,758,344 8/1956 49/390 X may be unlocked and freelyrotated about its vertical axis.

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 347,988 3/1905 France 49/67 2 C aims. 3rawing Figures FXTERMR WINDOW CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWindows with pivotal sashes. including those pivotal about a centralvertical axis. are well known in the art. See. for example. US. Pat.Nos. 1.346.663. 2.869.691. 2.811.754. 2.889.591. 3.562.954. and2.892.220. The problem with prior art pivotal sashes has been in theirmeans of sealing the window against the weather.

Most prior art pivotal sashes have utilized one or more wiper gasketsaround the outer edge of the sash designed to slidably engage the windowframe upon closing. Several problems and disadvantages are inherent inthis construction. The wiper gaskets tend to wear quickly because oftheir sliding movement across the window frame. They tend to provide aninsufficient seal against the elements because they do not engage thewindow frame with sufficient pressure. If arranged to engage the windowframe more tightly. they would wear even more rapidly and possibly evenbecome tattered close to the pivot points from the strong shear effectpresent there during closing of the sash. Also. when the sash is inclosed position. the flexed wiper gaskets necessarily have a reversal intheir direction of flexure in the area close to the pivot point. Thegaskets tend to be somewhat twisted at this reversal point andconsequently provide an even poorer seal at this point.

Another problem with the wiper gaskets is that their elasticity variesgreatly with temperature change. As a result. they tend in cold weatherto become stiff and brittle. forming a poor weather seal. and in hotweather to become soft. resulting in a poor seal.

Some prior art pivotal sashes utilize a sealing means retractable intothe window frame during pivoting of the sash. the sash being grooved forreceiving the sealing means when in the closed position. Thisconstruction necessitates a great deal of expensive mechanical equipmentand increases the probability of malfunction of the window.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a pivotal-sashwindow free of the disadvantages inherent in prior art pivotal windows.This is accomplished by the provision of a compression gasket which.over a wide temperature range. provides an effective weather tight seal.Rather than being attached to the fixed window frame or to the sashitself. the sealing gasket resides on a compression frame which pivotspreferably interiorly from one side of the window frame. The sealinggasket is retained around the periphery of the interior face of thisopen frame in such a position as to engage edges of both the windowframe and the closed sash upon closure and locking of the compressionframe. In this way a compression seal. far superior to a wiper gasketseal. is formed.

When the outside of the window is to be cleaned. the compression frameis unlocked and opened into the room about 90 or more to facilitatepivoting of the sash. The sash is then unlocked. whereupon it will pivotfreely without the hindrance of any sealing gaskets or Weatherstripping.The sash is rotated 180 and may be locked in this new position duringcleaning. Following cleaning. the sash is unlocked. rotated back to itsoriginal position. locked. and then resealed by closure and locking ofthe compression frame.

It is noted that for relatively small windows. the primary purposes ofthis invention could be accomplished by means ofa window sash whichinteriorly pivots from one of its sides. with a compression gasketaround the outside face of the sash to engage a flange of the fixedwindow frame. However. for very large windows of oflice buildings. forexample. such a pivot placement would subject the sash. window frame andpivot members to extreme stresses. necessitating very heavy andexpensive structural members. Therefore. the present invention providesa window construction particularly adapted for application to largewindows. yet simple in construction. durable and effective in operation.and inexpensive to manufacture and install.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view ofawindow construction according to the present invention with thecompression frame and the pivoted window in a closed position.diagrammatically indicating the compression frame in its open position;

FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view taken along the line 22 of FIG. 1 andshown on an enlarged scale: and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1. alsoshown on an enlarged scale.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings. FIG. Ishows a window assembly according to the invention and generallyindicated by the reference number 10. The assembly includes a fixedwindow frame 11 which is rigidly secured within a building wall 12. Awindow sash 13 including a glass pane I4 is freely rotatable in theframe 11 on a central vertical axis 15 from pivot pins 16 and 17.Pivoting from pivot points 18 at one side of the frame 11 is an opencompression frame 19. so denominated because its purpose is to compressa resilient gasket 20 against both the sash l3 and the edge of the fixedwindow frame 11. thus forming a weather tight seal between the sash 13and the window frame 11 when the compression frame 19 is tightly closed.To facilitate a tight closure. releasable compression frame locks 21 arelocated within the fixed window frame 11 for engaging the edge 22 of thecompression frame 19. In order that the window sash 13 will notexperience a bowing effect when tightly engaged by the compressiongasket 20. the window frame 11 also includes releasable negative loadlocks 23 which engage the edges of the pivotal window sash 13 in theclosed position. Both the frame locks 21 and negative load locks 23 areshown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the window assembly is shown in sectional planwith the compression frame 19 unlocked and swung open into the interiorof the building. The negative load locks 23 may be released so that thewindow sash 13 can be freely rotated about its vertical axis 15. asindicated. The negative load locks 23 preferably comprise a stop member24 affixed to a rotatable rod or bolt 25 which pivots within the fixedwindow frame 11. The bolt 25 preferably has a head 26 operable by anallen head wrench and is accessible only when the compression frame 19is in an open position. as shown in FIG. 2.

The compression frame locks 21 are substantially similar to the negativeload locks 23, having a stop member 27 affixed to a rotatable'rod orbolt 28 which has an allen head 29 accessible from the interior of thebuilding.

In this preferred embodiment the compression frame 19 swings open intothe interior of the building. However. the window assembly may be sooriented that the compression frame 19 swings open exteriorly. in whichcase the bolts 25 and 28 would be reversed and somewhat lengthened (notshown) for access from the opposite side of the window frame 11. 1

Both the compression frame locks 21 and negative load locks 23 areindicated in their locked configurations in FIG. 2. A flange 30 ofcompression frame 19 is engaged by stop member 27 of compression framelock 21, thus retaining the compression frame 19 in compression againstthe sash l3 and the window frame 11. A flange 31 of the sash 13 isengaged by the stop member 24 of the negative load lock 23 to reinforcethe sash 13 against deflection under load. An opposite sash flange 32also provided so that when the sash is reversed by rotation through 180some or all of the negative load locks may be rotated to block theseflanges from significant movement in either direction. Thus. thereversed sash can be given rotational stability for cleaning purposes.

HO. 3 shows a portion of the. window assembly with its sash 13 andcompression frame 19 in the closed. locked position. The lower pivot pin17 is shown on the axis of rotation of the window sash 13. The resilientcompressible gasket preferably resides in a slot or channel 33 of thecompression frame 19 and is continuous around the frame 19. Should thisgasket 20 become worn and need replacement, it may be pulled out of thechannel 33 and readily replaced by forcing a new gasket into the channel33. As shown in FIG. 3. the gasket 20 compressibly and tightly engagesprotruding portions 34 and 35 of the window frame 11 and sash 13.respectively.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the compression frame 19 is hollow with acontinuous opening 36 through its length. This opening 36 accommodatescorner reinforcement members 37 at the corners of the frame 19.

When the outside of a window according to the invention is to becleaned. the compression frame 19 is first disengaged by rotation of thebolts 28 of the compression frame locks 21. The compression frame 19 isthen pivoted interiorly about 90 or more to allow pivoting of the windowsash l3 and to expose the negative load lock bolts 25. Thereupon thesebolts 25 on either side of the window frame 11 are rotated. releasingthe negative load locks 23. The window sash 13 is then pivoted throughabout 180 to a reversed position for cleaning, whereupon some or all ofthe negative load locks 23 may be re-engaged for stability. Followingcleaning of the window pane 14, the negative load .locks 23 are releasedand the sash 13 is rotated back to its original position. Finally. thenegative load locks 23 are engaged again and the compression frame 19 isclosed and locked by rotation of the compression frame locks 21. Thewindow assembly 10 is again tightly weather-sealed by the compression ofthe resilient gasket 20 against the window frame 11 and the sash 13.

The above described preferred embodiment provides a window constructionwhich reduces window cleaning in tall buildings to a safe. efficient andinexpensive operation. In addition it provides a means of weathersealing the window which is completely effective and yet easy to operateand inexpensive to manufacture and install. Various modifications ofthis preferred embodiment will be apparent to those skilled in the artand may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims.

We claim:

1. A window construction comprising, in combination, a rigid fixed framedefining a window opening, a window sash and pane positioned within saidopening on a pivot axis whereby said sash and pane can be pivoted toreverse the position thereof, said fixed frame and sash includingreleasable locking means at opposite sash edges on either side of thepivot axis for reinforcing said pivotal sash in its closed position, andan open compression frame secured to said fixed frame and adapted tomove from an open position remote from said fixed frame and sash to aclosed position in engagement with said fixed frame and sash saidcompression frame carrying a resilient gasket and said fixed frame andsaid sash including adjacent engagement surfaces around theirperipheries, said resilient gasket engaging both of said surfaces whensaid compression frame is in the closed position, said engagementsurface of said sash being inwardly offset from the adjacent surface onsaid fixed frame. said resilient gasket engaging said adjacent surfacesat an angle oblique to the plane of the closed window pane, whereby saidsash is reinforced against lateral and vertical movement in the closedposition and said compression frame is secured in closed positionrelative to said fixed frame against lateral and vertical movement.

2. A window construction comprising. in combination, a rigid fixed framedefining a window opening, a window sash and pane positioned within saidopening on a pivot axis whereby said sash and pane can be pivoted toreverse the direction therof, said sash and frame including adjacentparallel surfaces. said surface of said sash being inwardly offset fromsaid parallel frame surface, and an open compression frame secured tosaid fixed frame and adapted to move from an open position remote fromsaid fixed frame and sash to a closed position in engagement with saidfixed frame and sash, said compression frame carrying a resilient gasketwhich, in the closed position of the compression frame, engages theadjacent parallel surfaces of said fixed frame and said sash at an anglecorresponding to the offset of said parallel surfaces and oblique to theplane of the closed window pane, whereby said sash and said compressionframe are tightly retained in the closed position against lateral andvertical movement.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,878,644 D d April 22, 1975 Inventor(s) Howard R. Brown and Michael C.Rizza It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patentand that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Name of Assignee:

The D. S Brown Company of North Baltimore, Ohio A Corporation of theState of Ohio.

Signed and Salad this twenty-ninth D3) Of July 1975 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Allesring Officer (umnzissl'mu-ruj'lutenrs and Trademark-x USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 u.s, GOVERNMENT PRINTINGOFFICE I969 o2ss-334.

FORM PO-IOSO (10-69)

1. A window construction comprising, in combination, a rigid fixed framedefining a window opening, a window sash and pane positioned within saidopening on a pivot axis whereby said sash and pane can be pivoted toreverse the position thereof, said fixed frame and sash includingreleasable locking means at opposite sash edges on either side of thepivot axis for reinforcing said pivotal sash in its closed position, andan open compression frame secured to said fIxed frame and adapted tomove from an open position remote from said fixed frame and sash to aclosed position in engagement with said fixed frame and sash, saidcompression frame carrying a resilient gasket and said fixed frame andsaid sash including adjacent engagement surfaces around theirperipheries, said resilient gasket engaging both of said surfaces whensaid compression frame is in the closed position, said engagementsurface of said sash being inwardly offset from the adjacent surface onsaid fixed frame, said resilient gasket engaging said adjacent surfacesat an angle oblique to the plane of the closed window pane, whereby saidsash is reinforced against lateral and vertical movement in the closedposition and said compression frame is secured in closed positionrelative to said fixed frame against lateral and vertical movement.
 1. Awindow construction comprising, in combination, a rigid fixed framedefining a window opening, a window sash and pane positioned within saidopening on a pivot axis whereby said sash and pane can be pivoted toreverse the position thereof, said fixed frame and sash includingreleasable locking means at opposite sash edges on either side of thepivot axis for reinforcing said pivotal sash in its closed position, andan open compression frame secured to said fIxed frame and adapted tomove from an open position remote from said fixed frame and sash to aclosed position in engagement with said fixed frame and sash, saidcompression frame carrying a resilient gasket and said fixed frame andsaid sash including adjacent engagement surfaces around theirperipheries, said resilient gasket engaging both of said surfaces whensaid compression frame is in the closed position, said engagementsurface of said sash being inwardly offset from the adjacent surface onsaid fixed frame, said resilient gasket engaging said adjacent surfacesat an angle oblique to the plane of the closed window pane, whereby saidsash is reinforced against lateral and vertical movement in the closedposition and said compression frame is secured in closed positionrelative to said fixed frame against lateral and vertical movement.